Key information

Fees (total cost)

Overview

Intensive 12 month taught master's course in Human Nutrition for science graduates which is accredited by the Association for Nutrition.

Summary

Human Nutrition is the scientific study of the foods we eat, the nutrients in foods, the fate of the nutrients when they are eaten and the effects of diet on health and well being. As a graduate nutritionist, you will have the skills to elicit, disseminate, and apply knowledge drawn from the relevant sciences to promote an understanding of the effects of diet on human health and well-being.

This master's course is a 12 month full-time intensive programme. The programme will provide students with a broad knowledge and understanding of human nutrition, developing scientific skills to master's level. Two taught semesters provide study in core modules in human nutrition. The human nutrition research project is an integral part of this programme where students undertake an independent research project under close supervision.

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Coleraine campus

Our coastal and riverside campus with a primary academic focus on science and health

About this course

About

You will study modules in Biochemical and Molecular Approaches to Nutrition, Applied Nutrition, Nutritional Assessment Recommendations and Requirements, Research Methods and Biostatistics, Diet and Disease, Public Health and Nutrition Behaviour, Food Science & Microbiology.

Attendance

This course is a 12 month full time intensive programme. Semesters 1 & 2 are taught modules where attendance is required most days each week. Semester 3 is an independent research module which students carry out under close supervision. Attendance will vary depending on the nature of the research project.

Start dates

Modules

Here is a guide to the subjects studied on this course.

Courses are continually reviewed to take advantage of new teaching approaches and developments in research, industry and the professions. Please be aware that modules may change for your year of entry. The exact modules available and their order may vary depending on course updates, staff availability, timetabling and student demand. Please contact the course team for the most up to date module list.

Year one

Applied Nutrition

This module discusses nutrition through the life-cycle, nutritional assessment, the aetiology, prevention and dietary treatment of common nutrition related diseases and nutrition support.

Biochemistry and Molecular Approaches to Nutrition

Year: 1

Status: C

This module discusses the biochemical roles of the essential nutrients in metabolism, the possible aetiologies of major chronic diseases together with postulated nutritional involvement in the disease mechanisms. In addition, the module also reinforces for students the concept of nutrigenomics and the role of nutrition at the molecular level.

Public Health and Nutrition Behaviour

Year: 1

Status: C

This module provides a broad overview of the concepts of health, health belief, health promotion and behavioural change and the sociological factors that influence that food related behaviour and the practical application of these to public health issues. It focuses on strategies for planning and evaluation of current health promotion and nutrition education, the scientific evidence behind nutrition policies and the principles of food labelling in influencing food choices

Research Methods and Biostatistics for Nutritional Sciences

Year: 1

Status: C

This module provides the foundation for research methods for nutritional sciences. The design of experimental investigations and the use of statistical methods are discussed. The module requires the completion of computer sessions, a critical evaluation of published literature and development of the research project proposal, problem-based assessments; issues relating to research governance and research commercialisation are included.

Nutrition Research Project

Year: 1

Status: C

This module provides the student with experience in research at MSc level in a selected area in human nutrition through conducting an independent research project under supervision. The experience will enable the student to develop effective research skills and competencies involving: the retrieval and critical evaluation of relevant scientific literature; formulation of an appropriate research question to be addressed; the planning and execution of an independent nutrition research project; the analysis, interpretation and critical synthesis of the results; the presentation of research findings to a scientific audience; the preparation of scientific papers in a format and standard suitable for publication in a nutrition journal.

Nutritional Assessment, Recommendations and Requirements

Year: 1

Status: C

This module will introduce the principles of nutrition assessment. It will review the anthropometric, biochemical and dietary assessment methodologies, including the advantages and limitations of each.

Evidence-Based Practice in Healthcare Sciences

Status: O

Year: 1

This module is optional

A work-based module where students review, after consultation with their line manager, an aspect of their professional practice identifying evidence to support their recommendations, initiate the keeping of a professional reflective diary and submit a report of evidence to support their action research plan. Students currently not in employment will be given advice on suitable topics from the module co-ordinator.

Nutritional Metabolism in Sports and Exercise

Status: O

Year: 1

This module is optional

This module provides an introduction to the biochemical principles of exercise and sport, the role of nutrition and exercise in the prevention of disease and the importance of nutrition in enhancing athletic performance.

Nutraceuticals and Supplements

Status: O

Year: 1

This module is optional

Up-to date and in-depth coverage of field of nutraceuticals and supplements with focus on vitamins, minerals and herbals and their characteristics, mode of action and safety.

Nutritional Controversies

Status: O

Year: 1

This module is optional

Available evidence linking diet and disease is often conflicting. This module enables nutritionists to appreciate the current consensus of scientific opinion on specific nutrition issues which are particularly controversial. The emphasis is on student-centred enquiry into controversial issues and critical analysis of relevant scientific evidence in oral/online and written assignments.

Diet and Disease

Status: O

Year: 1

This module is optional

This module builds on the concepts developed in module NUT801 Applied Nutrition in semester 1, and provides an integrated study of the role of diet and nutrition interventions in the treatment and management of disease. It explores the rationale for and application of dietary interventions for service users with specific diseases and the means of evaluating dietary and health outcomes. This knowledge is integrated with an understanding of the medical aspects of common disease states

Food Science & Microbiology

Status: O

Year: 1

This module is optional

The module provides an integrated overview of food science and microbiology including the structure of major food components, processing and elements of food microbial safety. Students are introduced to some commercial constraints relevant to the large-scale production of food that is affordable, palatable and safe.

Entry conditions

We recognise a range of qualifications for admission to our courses. In addition to the specific entry conditions for this course you must also meet the University’s General Entrance Requirements.

Entry Requirements

Applicants must have gained a second class BSc Hons degree or higher in a science based course which has provided substantial background in core science subjects in particular biochemistry/food chemistry and also physiology/anatomy or equivalent science subjects from a recognised institution.

English Language Requirements

English language requirements for international applicantsThe minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.

Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.

Teaching and learning assessment

Ulster University is a leading centre for internationally recognised teaching and research in the field of nutrition. You will be taught by a dynamic expert of nutritionists, scientists and registered dietitians. Teaching is delivered by a variety of methods including face to face lectures and also using online lectures and discussions. A variety of assessments are used throughout the course to test knowledge and understanding. Assessments include examinations, class tests, practical reports, case studies, MCQ's, oral presentations and reports.

Exemptions and transferability

Studies pursued and examinations passed in respect of other qualifications awarded by the University or another university or other educational institution, or evidence from the accreditation of prior experiential learning, may be accepted as exempting candidates from part of the programme provided that they shall register as students of the University for modules amounting to at least the final third of the credit value of the award at the highest level in respect of a Masters award at least 50% of the credit value of the award in respect of a Postgraduate Diploma.

No exemption is permitted from the research project.

Students cannot transfer to MSc Dietetics

Careers & opportunities

Career options

The academic content of the programme, together with the experience gained from the Masters research project, leads to excellent employment opportunities within industry, nutrition research, health promotion, public health, personalised nutrition ie in the areas of metabolomics, nutrigenomics or in nutrition overseas. Many of our graduates choose to pursue higher research degrees (PhD) or to pursue further taught study in the area of human nutrition, dietetics, sports nutrition or to complete a PGCE and become teachers of science, home economics or biology at both this University or at other institutions of higher education and research.

Work placement / study abroad

This course requires students to undertake a 3 month research project embedded within a nutrition research environment in Ulster University.

Professional recognition

Accredited by the Association for Nutrition (AfN) for the purpose of eligibility for Direct Entry Registration at Associate Level with the UK Voluntary Register of Nutritionists (UKVRN).

Academic profile

Ulster University is a leading centre for internationally recognised teaching and research in the field of nutrition. You will be taught by a dynamic expert of researchers, registered nutritionists, scientists and clinical practitioners.

Start dates

Fees and funding

Fees (total cost)

Important notice - fees information
Fees illustrated are based on 18/19 entry and are subject to an annual increase. Correct at the time of publishing. Terms and conditions apply. Additional mandatory costs are highlighted where they are known in advance. There are other costs associated with university study.
Visit our Fees pages for full details of fees

Scholarships, awards and prizes

On completion of MSc Human Nutrition specific prizes are available and awarded by the Board of Examiners.

Additional mandatory costs

In order to ensure students’ safety and to permit them to fully avail of the many learning opportunities students may require vaccinations which will incur additional costs.

Previous students have requested that nutritional analysis software be available to download onto personal computers which may incur an additional small charge.

Additional items will be required e.g. a lab coat

Tuition fees and costs associated with accommodation, travel (including car parking charges), and normal living are a part of university life.

Where a course has additional mandatory expenses we make every effort to highlight them. These may include residential visits, field trips, materials (e.g. art, design, engineering) inoculations, security checks, computer equipment, uniforms, professional memberships etc.

We aim to provide students with the learning materials needed to support their studies. Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. Computer suites and free wifi is also available on each of the campuses.

There will be some additional costs to being a student which cannot be itemised and these will be different for each student. You may choose to purchase your own textbooks and course materials or prefer your own computer and software. Printing and binding may also be required. There are additional fees for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines. Additional costs vary from course to course.

Students choosing a period of paid work placement or study abroad as part of their course should be aware that there may be additional travel and living costs as well as tuition fees.